Process of preventing formation of moisture on the exposed surface of transparent members.



UNITED RATES ATENT OFFIQE.

ABNER C. URMSTON, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO ERNEST EMONI) AND GEORGE H. URMSTON, BOTH OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

PROCESS OF PREVENTING FORMATION OF MOISTURE ON THE EXPOSED SURFACE OF TRANSPARENT MEMBERS.

No Drawing.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ABNER C. URMSTON, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the borough of Brooklyn, city of New York, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Processes of Preventing Formation of Moisture on the Exposed Surface of Transparent Members, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to means for preventing moisture from collecting on windows and the like. It is a well known fact that in cold weather moisture gathers on windows of motormens cabs on electric and other trains and cars, as well as on the windows of switch tower houses, and on the Windshields of automobiles, and that it often obstructs the view through the glass. This is liable to occur at a critical moment and it has obstruct-ed the view to such an extent and at such critical moments as to cause accidents which could have been avoided if the moisture had not rendered the glass partially opaque. Sometimes the moisture consists of a very thin film on the inside of the glass, caused by the breath of the person or persons operating the vehicle, or occupying the inclosure, and at other times it may consist of drops on the outside of the glass caused by the rain striking it. In any event the moisture partially or wholly interferes with the view and it is a source of annoyance and danger. The moisture, of course, can be wiped off the glass, but this is generally a temporary relief at best because the moisture is apt to collect or form again and again, requiring attention often. When the moisture collects on the exterior side of the glass it may be inconvenient to wipe it off and often a motorman will operate a train or car when his vision through the cab window is dangerously obstructed by moisture.

I am aware that mechanical wipers or squeegees have been arranged for wiping the glass but these are of but limited advantage because they require frequent attention to keep the glass free of moisture.

The object of the present invention is to provide a material which may be applied to either or both surfaces of the glass without obstructing or in any way interfering Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. ll, 1917.

Application filed January 27, 1915. Serial N 0. 4,623.

with the vision and which will prevent the formation or collection of moisture on the glass and thus keep the glass clear and transparent at all times and without any atten tion other than the mere application of the material to the glass. The breath will not form a film of moisture on the glass, no matter what the temperature may be; and if rain should fall on the glass it will run 0E instantly so that drops can not gather on the surface of the glass. The material may be simply rubbed or spread over the surface of the glass and it will remain efiective without attention for several hours, sometimes for a Whole day. As its application is very simple the material is ready, when sold, for universal use.

In making the material the proportions of the ingredients may be varied to a great extent and the particular manner of mixing or combining them may be varied to a great extent, but I Will explain the manner of mixing and the proportions which I have found satisfactory.

First, a quantity of tobacco, say 8 ounces, is soaked in one gallon of water for about 48 hours. Then the mixture is pressed in any simple manner for instance the same as apples are pressed in the making of cider. This is to press the liquid out of the mass, to separate it from the tobacco. The liquid is then preferably strained through a cloth to remove any remaining tobacco.

The liquid is then ready for use, but I prefer to add to it something to improve its odor because tobacco odor may be disagreeable to some users of the material. I have found that a small quantity of lavender water, say an ounce or two, added to the liquid will not reduce its effectiveness and it will give it a more pleasing odor.

The liquid may be applied in any convenient manner so long as it is spread over the surface of the glass. A few drops may be sprinkled on the glass and it may be spread over the surface with the hand, a cloth or piece of paper, the particular manner of spreading it being unimportant. It should be spread on the side of the glass where the moisture is likely to collect or on both sides thereof. The liquid will not be visible and it will remain and be effective for several hours at least. It is not necessary to dry or otherwise prepare the glass before applying the liquid thereto.

hen the liquid has been thus applied to the glass, if rain should strike the glass it will instantly pass off the surface, so that no drops Will collect and remain on the glass. On the other hand no vapor deposit or steam Will collect or remain on the glass to obstruct the view, but the glass will remain clear and transparent.

No particular kind of tobacco is required in making the material. I have found ordinary plug tobacco suitable for the purpose, but other kinds may be used if desired.

messes face of transparent members comprising the 20 application of a thin layer of a composition having as its main constituent the juice of tobacco leaves.

Signed at the city, county and State of New York, this 26th day of January, 1915. 25

ABNER C. URMSTON.

WVitnesses:

CHARLES G. HENSLEY, ROSWELL S. NICHOLS.

' Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G. 

